‘Iwas basura, dagdag kita’: learn more about the Misis Walastik program

People and communities are now aware that everyday living generates a lot of waste – and they are waking up to the reality that single-use plastic is indeed a growing problem.  Some individuals and stores have taken the first steps to go zero-waste - choosing to go without straws, plastic utensils, or plastic bags. However, we need to take bigger steps to curb this plastic problem.  Fortunately, there is now a unique partnership within a number of communities that allows plastic to be recycled, while giving households additional income as they keep their surroundings clean and waste free.

Unilever Philippines has partnered with the Linis Ganda junkshop and recycling network, a community-based solid waste management organization that is comprised of more than 500 junk shops around Metro Manila. Unilever and Linis Ganda created a way to collect flexible plastic waste, which was not done before. Through this partnership, soft plastic waste like pouches, bags, wraps, and sachets are collected, recycled and transformed into school chairs, while providing additional income to Linis Ganda partners and participating households.

Linis Ganda member Roberto Paligutan says that in the past, they only collect bottles, metal, and newspapers for recycling. This time, through Unilever’s Surf Misis Walastik program, even sachets, plastic bags, and other materials with plastic lamination are accepted and collected, and can be exchanged for cash. Now, members of the community are taking the initiative to segregate and collect their plastic waste through the campaign’s Kolek, Kilo, Kita drive.

Ed Sunico, Unilever’s Vice President for Sustainable Business and Communications, says, “As we grow our business, we have to make sure that we increase our positive social impact while reducing our environmental impact.” With Misis Walastik, they not only help with keeping plastic from ending up in waterways and streets, but also help in community livelihood.

Evelyn Perez, a homeowner within Linis Ganda’s collection area, says she is able to get a part of her household’s daily spending budget by collecting, cleaning, and turning over plastic waste to the Surf Misis Walastik program. With these efforts, Unilever has collected more than 300 metric tons of plastic waste in 2018. This year, through amplified environmental awareness campaigns on the ground, they are on track to increase collection threefold.

The value of this entire endeavor is best summarized by Linis Ganda Vice Chairwoman Lumen Teves who says, “Nababawasan ang mga basura na napupunta sa mga estero, sa mga ilog at nakakatulong pa tayo sa ating pamahalaan para mapaunti ang basura.”

This collaboration of individuals and non-government organizations with Unilever Philippines is a relationship where everyone benefits as they address both the livelihood and environmental needs of the community. With the Surf Misis Walastik program implemented in over 250 barangays and counting, the collection of plastic waste is quickly becoming a rewarding habit leading to a cleaner and brighter future.